Ezra 4:15

Authorized King James Version

That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דִּ֡י
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#2
יְבַקַּר֩
That search
properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider
#3
בִּסְפַ֣ר
in the book
a book
#4
דָּכְרָֽנַיָּא֮
of the records
a register
#5
דִּ֣י
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#6
אֲבָֽהָתָ֗ךְ
H2
of thy fathers
father
#7
וּ֠תְהַשְׁכַּח
so shalt thou find
to discover (literally or figuratively)
#8
בִּסְפַ֣ר
in the book
a book
#9
דָּכְרָֽנַיָּא֮
of the records
a register
#10
וְתִנְדַּע֒
and know
to inform
#11
דִּי֩
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
#12
קִרְיְתָ֥א
city
building; a city
#13
דָ֖ךְ
cause was this
this
#14
קִרְיְתָ֥א
city
building; a city
#15
מָֽרָדָ֗א
is a rebellious
rebellious
#16
וּֽמְהַנְזְקַ֤ת
and hurtful
to suffer (causatively, inflict) loss
#17
מַלְכִין֙
unto kings
a king
#18
וּמְדִנָ֔ן
and provinces
properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region
#19
וְאֶשְׁתַּדּוּר֙
sedition
rebellion
#20
עָֽבְדִ֣ין
and that they have moved
to do, make, prepare, keep, etc
#21
בְּגַוַּ֔הּ
the same
the middle
#22
מִן
within
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
#23
יוֹמָ֖ת
time
a day
#24
עָֽלְמָ֑א
of old
remote time, i.e., the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever
#25
עַ֨ל
for
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#26
דְּנָ֔ה
which
this
#27
קִרְיְתָ֥א
city
building; a city
#28
דָ֖ךְ
cause was this
this
#29
הָֽחָרְבַֽת׃
destroyed
to demolish

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezra. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection